Looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s as simple as it is delicious? The Easy Sausage Balls Recipe is your answer! This foolproof recipe delivers perfectly seasoned, bite-sized delights that are ideal for parties, game days, or simply a satisfying snack.
Key Ingredients for Easy Sausage Balls
- 1 pound bulk pork sausage (mild or hot, according to your preference)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, your choice)
- 1 cup bisquick baking mix
- 1/2 cup milk
How to Make Easy Sausage Balls
Whip up these incredibly simple and utterly delicious Easy Sausage Balls, a recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. These savory morsels offer a delightful balance of tender sausage and gooey cheese, all baked to golden perfection. The prep time is a mere 10 minutes, making them a stress-free addition to any gathering.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the bulk pork sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, Bisquick baking mix, and milk.
- Mix Gently: Using your hands or a sturdy spoon, gently mix all the ingredients together until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tougher sausage balls. You want everything to be incorporated but still have a slightly crumbly texture before forming.
- Form the Balls: Once the mixture is ready, roll it into bite-sized balls, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You can use a tablespoon to scoop out portions for consistent size. Place the formed balls onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other to allow for even cooking.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 18-25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through. The exact baking time will depend on the size of your balls and your oven. You’re looking for the sausage to be fully cooked and the cheese to be melted and slightly bubbly.
- Serve Warm: Once baked, carefully remove the sausage balls from the oven. Allow them to cool for a couple of minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a serving platter. They are best served warm, though they are still enjoyable at room temperature.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Sausage Balls Recipe
These Easy Sausage Balls are a guaranteed hit thanks to their irresistibly savory flavor and perfectly tender, slightly chewy texture. The combination of seasoned pork sausage and melted cheddar cheese creates a flavor profile that’s both comforting and addictive, making them a fantastic alternative to more complex appetizers like mini quiches. Plus, the cost-effectiveness of making these at home is a major win for your wallet, especially when entertaining a crowd.
The beauty of these sausage balls lies in their simplicity and adaptability. You can easily customize them by using different types of sausage (spicy Italian, anyone?) or by adding a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to the mix. They’re incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces, from classic marinara to a spicy honey mustard. So go ahead and give this delightful Easy Sausage Balls Recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed!
Storing and Reheating Tips
These Easy Sausage Balls are wonderfully convenient, both for making ahead and for enjoying leftovers.
- Refrigeration: Once fully cooled, store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, place cooled sausage balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, place refrigerated sausage balls on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until heated through. For frozen sausage balls, you can often reheat them directly from frozen in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Microwaving is also an option for a quick reheat, though the texture may be slightly softer.
Final Thoughts
The Easy Sausage Balls Recipe is a true gem for anyone seeking a simple yet incredibly satisfying appetizer. Give this straightforward recipe a try; it’s sure to become a beloved addition to your entertaining repertoire.
Easy Sausage Balls Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the bulk pork sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, Bisquick baking mix, and milk.1 pound bulk pork sausage, 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup Bisquick baking mix, 1/2 cup milk
- Using your hands or a sturdy spoon, gently mix all the ingredients together until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tougher sausage balls. You want everything to be incorporated but still have a slightly crumbly texture before forming.1 pound bulk pork sausage, 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup Bisquick baking mix, 1/2 cup milk
- Once the mixture is ready, roll it into bite-sized balls, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You can use a tablespoon to scoop out portions for consistent size. Place the formed balls onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other to allow for even cooking.
- Bake for 18-25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through. The exact baking time will depend on the size of your balls and your oven. You’re looking for the sausage to be fully cooked and the cheese to be melted and slightly bubbly.
- Once baked, carefully remove the sausage balls from the oven. Allow them to cool for a couple of minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a serving platter. They are best served warm, though they are still enjoyable at room temperature.